| | Moreover, all things that benefit people are none other than the wealth of Heaven. Heaven's creation of these resources is like a sovereign ruler having treasuries and granaries. Distribution, reward, deprivation, or bestowal are all subject to varying measures; how could the people possibly seize more by force? Therefore, those who are rich and noble without virtue are like wicked people stealing official positions and robbing treasuries; they will inevitably be discovered, and once discovered, they will surely be punished. A thief must be punished; how much more so for one who steals from Heaven? Will they not suffer calamity as a result? Deng Tong died without even a hairpin to his name; Sheng and Gui attacked him. Therefore, the Son of Heaven cannot defy Heaven by enriching those without merit, nor can feudal lords contravene imperial authority to excessively reward private favorites. It is not defying the emperor, nor is it defying Heaven. The Son of Heaven takes Heaven as his authority; Heaven takes the people's will as its heart. Whatever the people desire, Heaven must follow. Therefore, those who seek abundance without contributing service to the people have never failed to meet ruin; Those who have meritorious virtue for the people yet remain humble and modest have never failed to attain glory. From ancient times to the present, from the Son of Heaven above down to commoners below, there has never been one who loved profit without perishing, or who loved righteousness without being honored.
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